Who We Are

The official international organizing body for the sport of dragon boating is the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), a member of the IOC-recognized SportAccord (formerly General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)). The Pan American Dragon Boat Federation (PADBF), one of the IDBFs continental representatives, oversees the sport in the Pan American region, namely: South America (Zone I); Mexico, Central America, The Antilles and Bermuda (Zone 2); United States of America (Zone III); and Canada (Zone IV).​The US representative to the PADBF, and official governing body for the United States, is the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF). Like the PADBF, the USDBF has four regions:

Founded in 1997, the ERDBA is a 501(c)3, non-profit charitable organization committed to promoting the sport and culture of dragon boating in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Committees

ERDBA members are encouraged to actively participate in the organization by serving on its committees. For more information on any particular committee or to join one, please contact the ERDBA secretary.

Festival CommitteeThis Committee completed their task in 2016 to develop fourteen (14) standards defining what it means to be an ERDBA Sanctioned Festival.” These included racing and safety protocols that promoted a safe environment and fair racing standards. These standards are listed under "membership" for festivals.​Race CommitteeThe purpose of the Race Committee, is to provide fair and competitive racing to our ERDBA Membership. The committee is charged with developing and proposing regional rules and regulations. The committee is also charged with supporting the annual ERDBA Regional Championship. For odd number years, the Regional Championship is held as the qualifier for the USDBF CCWC berth.

By-Laws CommitteeThis Committee is tasked with reviewing the current by-laws and suggesting revisions to accommodate current membership and operations.​​